by J. D. Wright
Xavier shook his head at his brother and sat beside Rianne, who crawled over to cry on his arm.
“It isn’t fair. Tristan is to marry a princess who is young and beautiful. The same age as I am, even. And I have to marry an old man!”
“For all we know, Tristan’s princess may be ugly,” Xavier teased. “With a pig nose and warts all over. Hell, he hasn’t seen her since she was a baby. She could be a real hag of a lady.”
Rianne sat up, chuckling. Her light brown hair that had been pinned atop her head was now falling down and her perfect porcelain skin was blotchy from crying.
“I probably won’t even get to see her if I am married before their wedding,” Rianne frowned. “This entire idea is ridiculous! There are plenty of eligible women in the realm. Junacave, Moorine, Veyace. Why doesn’t he marry one of them? Why me?”
“The Princess of Junacave just became the queen, so she is no longer a prospect, I suspect,” Tristan said. “Moorine is on the other side of the Valerian Mountains, so Carneath land would be of no use to them. And the daughters in Veyace are still quite young.”
He looked up to see his brother and sister scowling at him.
“Constantly, the deliverer of unhelpful thoughts,” Xavier mumbled.
“There is always a chance that Father could refuse,” Tristan said. “Is that better?”
“I appreciate your concern, really,” Rianne said before they could begin to argue. “But I just want to be alone.”
When the door shut a moment later, Rianne picked up a small blue pillow and threw it across the room. Throwing something didn’t satisfy her angry mood like she hoped it would. Her entire life could change in an instant if her father approved the proposal. She knew this day would come, eventually. But she had held out hope that her father would be more considerate of who he selected for her.
She didn’t expect to marry for love. Some kings allowed suitors to visit their daughters, letting them have a choice in who they chose, but she knew that King Nolan wasn’t one of those fathers. He was strict about following tradition and since Labara was such an old kingdom, the traditions ran deep.
She could try to convince her father to refuse the proposal. She had been able to work her charm on him many instances in the past. But those times were in pursuit of new clothes or baubles. This wasn’t a new gown or a trinket. And what if she failed? What if her father had already agreed?
There were only two options for her now. Either she becomes used to the idea of waking up next to a man whom she could never love, or she take her future into her own hands.
Rianne stood up and walked over to her mirror. Her hair was a disaster. She grabbed a comb from her vanity and ran it through her light brown hair. Then she set the comb down and picked up a green ribbon, just slightly darker than her gown and used it to tie her hair behind her.
Feeling presentable, she took a deep breath and walked over to the door. The seamstress would surely be waiting for her by now and she knew that she had to continue her day as if nothing was wrong. For now.
~*~
Xavier mounted his horse just as Tristan rode into the courtyard.
“I see we both had the same idea,” Tristan said, pulling his horse alongside his brother.
“Apparently so.”
Xavier followed his brother out of the gate and they both turned to take the trail to the meadows. Ever since their youth, it had been the favorite place to ride. They came to a trot and crossed the stone bridge over the creek and into a field sprinkled with wildflowers. In no time at all, they were galloping across the meadow and over the first hill. They rode as the sun burned overhead and started its way back down the other side of the sky. Then they turned back toward home.
Tristan closed his eyes, absorbing the moment. The warm sun on his skin and the slightly cool breeze on his face were glorious. He could smell the leather from the reins in his hands. He didn’t even mind that the wind was muddling up his usually perfectly groomed and trimmed brown hair.
This was the only time that he really felt free. Free from the constraints of being a prince. Free from the duties and responsibilities that came with it. And free from the constant observing eyes of the public. He could forget about everything and just ride.
He opened his eyes and took in the view. The trees were sprouting bright green leaves and blossoms. Early spring in Everealm was really a miraculous sight. He knew that if they had continued east, beyond Labara, they would eventually find the large rolling hills that surrounded Junacave. Those hills would be covered with sheep or plots of farmland. If they turned south, they would need to ride for many days to reach the coast of the Sea of Sovereign. Riding west, they would have to cross the Jade River, which separated east Everealm from the west. Veyace and Zezura were two of the kingdoms on the other side. And if they turned north, they would run into Carneath or Cornithia before reaching the Valerian Mountains.
Sometimes it was tempting, to simply turn in one direction and keep riding without looking back. But running from your problems rarely solved them. So Tristan would continue to be the perfect son, the perfect prince, and soon—the perfect husband.
Tristan looked over when Xavier pulled alongside. Without saying a word, the two of them set off racing across the meadows. Xavier stayed ahead until they reached the creek, then Tristan pulled past him. Set for victory, he crossed the bridge and was about to shout in celebration, but stopped short.
Smoke was on the horizon. Tristan turned to call out, but Xavier had already seen it. Together, they sped to the north side of the castle, where the smoke was billowing into the sky. The southeast corner of the orchard was on fire. But as they closed in, they were face to face with something they had never seen in their lives.
The fire was blue.
Chapter Eleven
“I know you keep saying to let it go…”
“Then why don’t you?”
“I just can’t shake this feeling that he is hiding something.”
“You’re probably overthinking it, like always. Paying too much attention to detail. Details that likely mean nothing.”
“Details are a part of my job. I can’t explain it,” Rowan shook his head. “I just… know. He is keeping secrets. He can’t be trusted.”
Bree gave him a blank look. She clearly didn’t believe him. Nothing he had been saying was making any sense to her.
“Just because he refused to stay in the castle, you think he is hiding something?”
“It is strange that he refused your offer to stay in the castle.”
“Yes, that much I can agree with.”
“And he hasn’t come to a single meal that you have invited him to.”
“A bit rude, yes. But that doesn’t mean—“
“I am rarely wrong about these things, Bree.”
“Perhaps… But that still doesn’t mean—”
Obviously, he wasn’t listening to a word she was saying.
“I think I’m going to visit with my father,” Rowan said. He kissed Bree on the cheek then stepped out.
Bree shook her head and frowned then turned to Finn, who was sitting in a chair beside her.
“Will you follow him? In case he—”
“Already going,” Finn replied, having already placed his book on the side table.
Bree sighed, watching him leave. She knew perfectly well that Rowan wasn’t going to see his father. He was going to snoop around for the second time in two days, in an attempt to discover why his newfound brother, Reeve, was acting strangely. Or so Rowan believed, at least.
But she could understand why the man may be keeping his space. It was only days ago that he met his father for the first time and learned that he had a brother, who was only a few months younger than him. And coming into his new role as a knight of Junacave, a kingdom he has never even lived in could be quite a challenge. All of this was happening just four weeks after the death of his mother. Yes, Breestlin could understan
d perfectly why Reeve have reason to keep his distance.
Of course, Rowan didn’t share her opinion, which was as typical as the sky being blue. At least with Rowan focusing on his brother, it gave Bree some time to spend with Celeste, who left to return home just yesterday.
Leaving the library, Bree found Sidonie just coming out of the hall. It was the first time she had seen Sidonie in days and she noticed her friend was looking rather tired.
“Any luck with the journals?”
“No, not yet. We’re not even sure what we’re looking for. Leitis’ father traveled all over the realm and there are so many people mentioned. I guess we shouldn’t have taken as long of a break to watch the tournament. It just put us further behind.”
“Going back to the tower?”
“Actually, Dagan is teaching Rhea about scrying, so I was going to take a short walk. I was hoping the gardens may be in bloom.”
“Mind if I join you?” Bree asked. “I could use some fresh air, myself.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.” Sidonie smiled and gave a quick curtsy.
Bree laughed and took Sidonie’s arm, leading her out onto the terrace, toward the garden. It had been months since they had spent any quality time alone together. They caught up quickly, giggling about how handsome Rowan’s new brother is and gossiping about the two ladies who drank too much wine at the tournament celebration and ended up falling into the fountain in the village square.
“I can’t believe that Rhea kissed Rowan,” Sidonie said. “She hasn’t acted overly-friendly with Dagan so far. I wonder if I should be worried.”
“I doubt so. Rowan is convinced that she only feels drawn to him because he saved her. He has been avoiding her, mostly to please me.”
“Well, could you blame her? Rowan is quite a handsome man and those do not come along every day,” Sidonie teased.
“Ha!” Bree laughed. “Perhaps, I should introduce her to his almost identical brother.”
~*~
Rowan watched as Reeve locked the door to his room at the inn and left down the stairs. A man came around the corner with a stack of linen. Rowan pretended to have an interest in renting a room. He used the opportunity to distract the man while slipping his keys off of the hook on his belt. Once the man walked down the stairs, Rowan took the keys and tried them on the door. He went through four keys before finding the right one and slipping into the room.
The first thing Rowan noticed was that Reeve wasn’t any better at keeping a clean space than he was. Clothing was draped over the folding screen. There were several trunks against the far wall, most of them open, with items and clothing spilling out.
The second thing he noticed was that Reeve hadn’t been eating alone. There were two wooden plates and goblets sitting on the table. He glanced around the room, but nothing seemed particularly conspicuous. He started to ruffle through one of the trunks, which contained a few pairs of trousers.
He moved to the next trunk then stopped when he heard humming. He stood and turned, trying to figure out where the sounds were coming from. The humming grew louder, then turned to singing.
He wasn’t alone. But before he could move toward the door, he saw movement in the corner of the room. A girl, about thirteen years old, stepped out from behind the folding screen, dressed in a white blouse and blue overdress.
She screamed when she saw him.
Rowan put his hands up to show he meant her no harm, but she screamed again. He started to explain himself but didn’t have a chance to before the door flung open and Reeve burst into the room.
“What’s wrong?” Reeve said, panting. He had already been halfway up the stairs before hearing her scream and had never unlocked a door as quickly in his life.
The girl pointed at Rowan, who was just as terrified as she was, having no idea anyone else was in the room.
Reeve saw Rowan and breathed a sigh of relief, then bent down with his hands on his hips, trying to catch his breath.
“Oh, it’s you,” he said.
“I can explain,” Rowan said.
Reeve laughed. “Really? Can you?”
Rowan frowned. “Actually, no. I was prying. But in my defense, I thought I was alone.”
The girl relaxed her shoulders.
“Did you get them?” She asked Reeve.
“Yes, they’re in the bag,” he replied, looking at the burlap sack that he had dropped on the floor when he ran in. She bent down, picked up the bag and walked over to a stool by the table. Sticking her hand in, she pulled out a green apple and sat down.
“Gabrielle,” Reeve started, as he shut the door behind him, “this is—“
“I know who it is,” she said. “Rowan, the knight’s son. The resemblance is eerie...” She took a bite of the apple and looked at Rowan from head to toe. “I expected him to be dressed better for a knight’s son.”
“Gabby,” Reeve warned. “Don’t be rude. Rowan is a knight, as well.”
“There seem to be a lot of those around this place.”
“Gabby!”
Rowan couldn’t help but smile. He was beginning to like her, already.
“I’m sorry. Please excuse her behavior,” Reeve said.
“Why are you apologizing to him?” Gabby said. “He’s the one who snuck into your room.” She took another bite and grinned.
“She’s right,” Rowan said. “I owe you an apology, and her. Umm... Who is she?”
“Oh, sorry. This is Gabrielle, my sister.
“Your sister?”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t know you had a sis—“
A small sound outside of the door caught Rowan’s attention. Reeve must have heard it, as well. Within seconds, Rowan had two daggers pulled and Reeve had his sword in his hand, pointed at the door. Reeve swiftly pulled the door open.
Finn stumbled into the room, having been leaning against the door, listening. Rowan caught the blade of Reeve’s sword with one of his daggers before it could come close to Finn’s nose.
“I know him,” Rowan said, shaking his head.
“Who is that one?” Gabby asked, nodding toward Finn. She was still sitting on the stool, eating her apple.
“This is my sister,” Rowan joked.
“Hilarious…” Finn said.
~*~
Rowan didn’t want to admit that perhaps he had been wrong about his brother. As it turned out, Reeve had refused to stay in the castle because he couldn’t leave Gabrielle alone. Of course, once Bree found out, she was adamant that Reeve and Gabby come stay in one of the guest chambers, for the time being.
“I just cannot imagine leaving that poor girl in the inn,” Bree said. “But the guest chambers are not a permanent solution, either. And the servant’s quarters are no place for her. The knight’s wing would be ideal, like with Finnley, but I can’t possible put a young girl there.”
Bree was pacing in front of her throne, mostly speaking to herself. Her mother was sitting at the high table in front of the throne.
“Mother, are you playing chess?” Bree asked, surprised to see a wooden board in front of Cicilly. In the twenty-four years that Bree had lived, she had never once seen her mother even glance at a game like chess.
“I told Sarita that I would let her teach me how to play,” Cicilly said, unsure now of her decision. “As for where to place the girl, what about one of the large storage rooms across from the wardrobe? I believe there is furniture in them. You could order the carpenter to build a storage room on the end of one of the stables, perhaps, and move the furniture there. It would take several days, but the room could be converted into a suite, with two bed chambers, possibly?”
Bree tilted her head and smiled. It was a good idea and one that she didn’t expect from her mother.
“I believe that is the best idea I have heard in a long time, Mother. I must say that I’m a bit surprised.”
Cicilly looked up at her daughter and frowned, slightly.
“I have always wanted to offer my ideas and opinions, dear, but your father never seemed to be interested in most of them. I’m glad that you are more susceptible to change, where he wasn’t.”
“I never thought about it in that way, but maybe you’re right. And I will have Finn summon one of the carpenters.”
Just then, Sir Nicholas walked into the hall. Bree could tell that something was wrong by his expression.
“What is it?” Bree asked.
“I just received word from Taten. Their kingdom was attacked four nights ago. And—“
Before he could continue, Sir Raymun entered with a similar face that told her more bad news was coming. He handed a piece of parchment to Nick, who quickly read it to himself.
“It’s from Labara. There was an attack on their orchard. A fire. Blue fire.”
“Were they able to control the fire, to stop it?” Knowing what she did about the blue flames of wildfire, she wasn’t certain it could be controlled. Or stopped.
“It says that the fire disappeared at twilight. It doesn’t say how.”
“Disappeared?” Bree said, unbelieving as she took the parchment from Nick and read it to herself. Flames disappeared at twilight. Quarter of orchard lost.
Nick turned to Sir Raymun, “Double patrols on the guard and alert the scouts. If they see anything suspicious, anything at all, I want to know about it, immediately.”
Bree needed a moment to absorb the terrible news, but there wasn’t any time. “Gather the council and send for Dagan. Where is Rowan?”
“I believe he is in the village. You sent him to bring Reeve…”
“Yes, yes, I remember now. Send Finn to find him.”
Nick bowed and walked out of the hall as quickly as he walked in.
It didn’t take long to alert and assemble the council. Once Nick read the messages received from Labara and Taten, the men in the room were quick to blame Sire for the attacks.
“Who else would be responsible? After what happened recently?” Sir Ainsley seemed sure of it.
Bree quickly stood and walked to the door, opening it for just a moment to whisper something to Finn. Then she closed the door and returned to her seat, without explaining.